Legislature passes tuition break for veterans

Naval Support Activity Panama City.

By Staff and wire reports

Published: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 05:13 PM.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature on Tuesday passed the “Florida GI” bill supporters say will help the state become the most “military friendly” in the nation, and Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign the bill into law.

“I’m excited that we care about our military,” Scott said.

The legislation also allocates nearly $7.5 million to acquire land near Naval Support Activity Panama City, as well as bases in Jacksonville and Tampa. The legislation does not spell out how the money will be divided among the three bases. The bill also includes $12.5 million to help renovate National Guard armories.

“We have heard from military communities across our state who let us know Florida can do more to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our military and veterans,” said Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne and the main Senate sponsor.

A key part of the bill would offer a tuition break to honorably discharged veterans regardless of when they moved to the state. The measure also includes college scholarships for National Guard members.

“To show our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice, the Florida Legislature today finalized our commitment to make our state the most military friendly in the nation,” said Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.

Florida has roughly 1.5 million veterans, and an estimated 61,000 active military personnel are stationed in the state.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature on Tuesday passed the “Florida GI” bill supporters say will help the state become the most “military friendly” in the nation, and Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign the bill into law.

“I’m excited that we care about our military,” Scott said.

The legislation also allocates nearly $7.5 million to acquire land near Naval Support Activity Panama City, as well as bases in Jacksonville and Tampa. The legislation does not spell out how the money will be divided among the three bases. The bill also includes $12.5 million to help renovate National Guard armories.

“We have heard from military communities across our state who let us know Florida can do more to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our military and veterans,” said Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne and the main Senate sponsor.

A key part of the bill would offer a tuition break to honorably discharged veterans regardless of when they moved to the state. The measure also includes college scholarships for National Guard members.

“To show our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice, the Florida Legislature today finalized our commitment to make our state the most military friendly in the nation,” said Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.

Florida has roughly 1.5 million veterans, and an estimated 61,000 active military personnel are stationed in the state.

The tuition break, which would cost an estimated $12 million, would ensure veterans would pay the in-state tuition rate for college.

The bill also would waive professional licensing fees up to five years after a veteran is discharged.